needaspa, that's why shopping around is the best thing to do. If you see everyone selling a specific brand at "about" the same price (apples to apples), then you should not feel like you're being ripped off. There will always be one or two sales reps or companies that have low sales for whatever reason (usually the service after the sale) and they think they can make up for that loss business by trying to gouge the next potential customer. Those are the ones to watch for. That's in any kind of business though.
Now, if you think everyone's pricing is high, then I would say that you are most likely on the bottom of the wage earner level and are pretty jealous of anyone that can pay a fair price for a good hot tub.
If you really want a hot tub, but can't afford one, then hold your head up high, stop acting like a "poor pitiful me" kind of guy and check the sources for free tubs. Simple!
You seem to be someone looking for attention and most likely just enjoy trying to raise the blood pressure of others. Calm down and don't forget your meds.
BTW, I'm not a hot tub/pool dealer/sales rep.